Thank goodness the first question we ask in our Parish Hall survey is ‘Did you know that Hythe and Dibden has a Parish Hall for use by the community?’ A third of people who have responded have told us ‘No!’.

Well we need to do something about that so we have arranged an Open Morning to be held at the Parish Hall in West Street, Hythe, SO45 6AA on Saturday 16 March from 0900 to 1200. Please come along and have a look at the venue; it is Hythe and Dibden’s Parish Hall and is available for you to use.

We look forward to seeing you there.

(If you want to fill in our survey it can be found at http://bit.ly/2IriyJ9 or you can pick up a paper copy to fill in with a pen at the Parish Hall or at the reception in the Grove)

Do you use the Parish Hall? Did you know that Hythe
and Dibden has a Parish Hall that you can rent? Our Hall is spotlessly clean
thanks to the hard work of Ray and Heidi our caretakers but it is a little bit
tired and we are aware that it could do with some refurbishment and updating.
Councillors are really keen to hear what you think and we are asking the
community to let us know what you would like to see improved, or even added to
the Parish Hall. You can pick up a hard copy of the survey from the Grove or
you can complete the survey online: SURVEY

Nominations for the Community Spirit, Endeavour and Environmental Champion Awards are invited.

The Parish Council is continuing a tradition that is a memorable and
distinctive way for the community to thank and pay special tribute to the
people of Hythe and Dibden whose work and efforts show excellence, commitment
and achievement. These people are a key part of our diverse and caring
community and what they do and what they have achieved is an example for us
all.

The three awards are:

• Community Spirit – to particularly recognise people who have acted
in a kind or selfless manner for the good of the community;

• Endeavour – to particularly recognise young people who have worked
hard to fulfil personal targets;

Hythe and Dibden Parish Council are seeking tenders for the supply of a new Nissan NT400 CABSTAR TIPPER MWB TWIN REAR WHEEL or similar type of vehicle.

The vehicle should be supplied with suitable warning beacons and high visibility tailgate chevrons for the rear of the vehicle.

The contractor will be able to demonstrate a successful track record of delivering vehicles of a similar nature on budget and on time. The applicant must also be able to provide the Council with written assurances regarding the time to provide spare or replacement parts.

The Parish Council currently own a 2013 Peugeot Boxer Tipper which has covered just over 51,000 miles that we wish to use in part exchange for the new vehicle. Further details are available on request.

The current project to commemorate the centenary of the ending of the First World War started in the summer of 2017. All the poppies are knitted or crocheted in a variety of shades of red, white and purple in many different patterns to give a natural appearance. White doves have also been knitted and crocheted.

The group secured a grant of £500 from Hythe and Dibden Parish Council and the use of their community rooms so that the ladies could meet to assemble aspects of the project.

The community also gave the group donations of money, knitting wool and ‘retired’ knitting needles.

The 45 members of the group, who mostly come from the area, made in excess of 10,500 red poppies initially before moving on to purple and white. The group had just under 2,000 red poppies stored with the council from their previous 2014 display. Members of the group met to thread poppies on to cable ties to be used for the railings, sewed poppies onto organza ribbons for the lamp posts and fabric for the hangings and covered knitting needles with green wool for the ‘stalked’ poppies. White crocheted and knitted doves were also made.

The group's interpretation of the colours used is red for Remembrance, white for Peace and purple for the animals’ role in human conflict.

The poppy ‘bombing’ has unfolded over a period of time: 26th October 7 entry boxes, red poppies on stems28th October Mullins Lane Roundabout, red poppies on stems29th October Railings and handrails of the ferry and the end of pier, mainly larger red sparkly poppies2nd November Railings of St Johns Church, entry to The Grove and The Prom, red poppies2nd November St Johns Churchyard, red and purple poppies on stems4th November 19 lamp posts and 4 signposts in Hythe, red poppies5th November The railings in Dibden Purlieu, red and white poppies5th November Open space around the anchor, red and purple poppies on stems6th – 8th November Additional railings around Hythe, red and white poppies10th November Railings on Prospect Park, a wave of red and white poppies11th November Railings along Prospect Place, hangings with white poppies and white doves11th November Fence on the north side of Prospect Park purple poppies11th November Prospect Park, red and purple poppies on stems

Approximately 14,500 poppies make up the whole display which will remain in place until 18th November with poppies and all sorts of related items for sale from Prospect Place, all proceeds going to the Poppy Appeal the Royal British Legions biggest fundraising campaign to date.

On 18th November there will be a raffle of a beautiful quilt made by one of the group in aid of Help for Heroes.

WhiIst assembling this display we have learnt lots had fun and enjoyed making new friends, meeting up with old ones and chatting to members of the community. We have encountered the wet, the cold, split skin and numb fingers but we have reminded ourselves however unpleasant it is we will go back to a warm home and a comfy bed, unlike the poor soldiers who were in the mud and grime of the trenches. We will remember them!